This past weekend my cousin and blog photographer, Ryan, moved right onto to the beach, so I got to spend some time in the sand! Though the water is still too cold (for me!) to swim, the temperatures are heating up in Newport Beach and with my brother, mom, and dad coming into town Wednesday, I know we’ll be spending lots of time when I'm not working reading on the beaches in CDM or down the street from my cottage on Balboa. I’ve been looking for a new cover-up for a while now, and . . .
Rainy Day Reads and Clothes To Curl Up In
With the exception of one seventy-five degree weekend, we've been having an unusually rainy February in Orange County. Although I moved from Oregon to California to escape the rain, I do love any excuse to get cozy! I've been living in this cable knit sweater all winter long and throwing on a pair of jeans and Hunter Boots with it when I go out, then pairing it with these leggings and my favorite slippers when I'm home. My cottage on Balboa Island is an old historic house that . . .
10 Incredible Love Stories To Read Before Valentine’s Day
This weekend it felt like summer in Orange County, so I was able to catch up on some reading poolside! While I’ll occasionally pick up a psychological thriller like The Woman Inside, or a self-help book like The Untethered Soul, you can almost always find me reading a love story. Since I was little and read my first Nicholas Sparks’ book, love stories have been all I’ve been drawn to. I’m constantly fascinated by the choices people make when it comes to matters of the heart. And while writing . . .
Flirty, Feminine Dresses to Add a Touch of Romance to Your Life
I’m all about finding ways to add romance to my life. Last year I spoke about what romance means to me in this blog on Redefining Romance. I consider something to be romantic when an everyday moment feels extraordinary. Or when you catch yourself—or someone else—off guard in a good way. Or when you feel extreme aliveness. A romantic life is my favorite life to live. And it doesn’t depend on another person. This past winter I booked a plane ticket like Cameron Diaz does in the holiday and . . .
Book Arrangements That Make For Beautiful Displays
I never like to think of having too many books as a problem. But when you read one or two books a week they can quickly clutter up your space! If you're a big reader like me, try these easy tips for turning your favorite reads into beautiful displays so your books don't end up sitting in your garage or closet. In a Basket on Your Bedside Table: In my guest room, I like to leave a basket filled with my favorite books for anyone that comes to stay. The room has hints of blue from the bedspread . . .
Tips for Hosting the Happiest Holiday Happy Hour
When I decide to research something, I really like to commit! Thankfully, last week’s research wasn’t hard to commit to. In fact, I may have poured myself a bit too much into it the research (or rather, been poured a bit too much). I visited my favorite restaurant in Newport Beach, Modo Mio, and sampled all the cocktails on their new cocktail menu! I love visiting Modo Mio during the holidays and throughout the rest of year because the staff makes you feel like family. You’re dining out, but . . .
